Aston Villa told transfer will 'improve them no end' next season

Aston Villa have been praised for the swiftness that they've completed their transfer business so far this month ahead of the window even officially opening.

Philippe Coutinho made last season's loan deal permanent earlier this month and Villa followed that signing up by winning the race to sign prized free agent Boubacar Kamara from Marseille yesterday on a Bosman. The latter means that Steven Gerrard 's squad has already been enhanced in the targeted area of defensive midfield just days after the Premier League season ended.

They continue to be linked with a host of other names too, with reports in the national media suggesting that they are already 'in talks' with James Tarkowski over signing the central defender on a free transfer after leaving Burnley. Luis Suarez and Kalvin Phillips are just two others persistently linked with arriving at Villa Park too.

Former Coventry City and England youth international forward Noel Whelan has suggested that a European challenge could be on the cards should signings of this calibre continue to be made. “Getting business done early is imperative,” Whelan told Football Insider.

“Aston Villa get it right all the time with transfers. They don’t mess about – this is literally hours after the end of the season.

“Steven Gerrard has identified who he wants. The board and the backroom staff are going all out to try and make that happen.

“The money is down on the table without any messing about or newspaper reports. I love that about Aston Villa. It’s brilliant.

“He’s a player who has been admired by many top European clubs as well and he will improve them no end. They could be challenging for the Europa League next season if they continue to make moves like this.”